Leadership message from Dr Tom Davis, Acting CEO

At yesterday’s Board meeting, I put on record my thanks to every member of staff at EEAST. These thanks were for two reasons. First, for the dedication to delivering our service in incredibly demanding times. Secondly, for the continued focus on the CQC action plan to embed longer-term improvements. Fighting on two fronts is challenging but vital, as they are all about patient care.

To help keep you safe, we have recently produced updated Covid-awareness training, which is also available here. Our vaccination programme is now well under way, and around twenty percent of you have now received the first dose. 

I mentioned our day-to-day services earlier. While we can never be complacent, we are currently providing a robust response and safe services for our patients. This response has been shaped by our experiences during the first wave of the pandemic. It is also built on the proactive planning, leadership oversight, escalation and contingency actions we have put in place and regularly review.

During these past weeks, EEAST has been a central part of the regional and national NHS health system. Many of you have helped provide mutual aid to other ambulance services and a number of trusts in the region. The aid we have provided includes staff on the ground, call handling capacity, patient transfers and triage by paramedics in A&E departments. This support has helped the wider NHS reach those most in need and shown EEAST at its very best - which has been recognised by the regional NHS leaders.

Next week’s message will include some updates on progress with the CQC action plan. For today, I just want to highlight the new ‘speak up, speak out and stop it’ posters which will be going up at all our buildings over the coming days.

These are tough times. We want you to get proper rest breaks and end your shifts on time. This is difficult due to demand, but it is an area we are really focusing on. Can I also remind you of the wellbeing support available to access at work or home.

Finally, our regular WeAreEEAST virtual briefing takes place today, so please join if you can.

Thank you and stay safe.

Dr Tom Davis
Acting CEO

Published 14th January 2021